Summit focuses on juvenile justice

By BOB MARTIN

Monday

May 28, 2007 at 5:35 AMMay 28, 2007 at 5:57 AM

The 7th Annual Regional Prevention Summit was held recently at Plymouth State University, consisting of a panel of keynote speakers. 'The John True' award was also awarded to former Plymouth Police Chief Tony Raymond for his work on Project Monitor.

During last week's event, Communities for Alcohol and Drug Free Youth (CADY) hosted the Summit which highlighted the Restorative Justice Program. The meeting began with CADY Executive Director Deb Naro introducing the event and thanking everyone who has been involved in the program that she feels so strongly about.

"Everyone in this room is a prevention partner and it is because of your work that we can make a difference," said Naro.

Naro said that the Summit was a way of celebrating the work and progress that had been exhibited. She spoke of the many efforts that CADY has led, including the youth-run Rise and Shine Cafe in the Common Man Inn and Spa as well as the new Frosty Scoops ice cream shop. Naro said that studies have shown that local youths binge drink 10 percent more than the state average. She began thinking of ways to reduce this percentage and that the ideas spawned when she and Alex Ray of the Common Man brainstormed activities.

"There is a common dream among youths and that is that they like to work and make money," said Naro.

CADY works with ADAPT — or Adolescent Drug and Alcohol Prevention Tool — area youths and the Common Man restaurants in a program called the Launch. The Launch is a program that educates teenagers in the world of entrepreneurship. It allows teens between 14 and 18 years old to immerse themselves into a business world, giving them alternatives to a risk environment.

In 2005, Executive Director Deb Naro, along with other members of CADY, sat down to figure out a program that would involve youths and a working environment. After several ideas and meetings, the idea of Launch was eventually sparked. Naro said that the youths who have been involved with the programs have been involved in real business activities and even created the name of the Cafe. She also said that 15 youths have been participating in meetings at the Pemi-Youth Center where they have created resumes and done community service.

PSU President Sara Jayne Steen was present for the Summit as well, speaking about her feelings on issues involving alcohol. She said that all colleges across the nation have problems with alcohol that need to be worked on, which is why there are groups like CADY. She also said that a large number of students are engaged in making Plymouth a better community. She said that since coming to N.H. she has seen how completely devoted people are to their surrounding community and that she feels fortunate for this.

"People simply step up and do what needs to be done," said Steen. "This is the heart and soul of New Hampshire."

A video presentation was then played, showing how restorative justice works. In the video it displayed several teens who had broken the law, by stealing from stores as well as vandalism. Instead of being sent away with the possibility of never changing, it showed the hands-on justice that is displayed in the system. This includes meeting with victims of the crime committed, performing community services and speaking to a panel of people who intend on helping the problem.

In the video the teens who committed the crimes, as well as the victims, said that the program was good because it gave the chance to apologize and understand how the crimes affect the victims.

"Traditional justice is about retribution," said restorative Justice Coordinator Don Gangemi. "Our program is restoring the youth's image and connection to the community."

Following the presentation a panel of three representatives spoke in regards to the program. Administrative Judge Edwin Kelly said that the idea of the program is to make sure to help youths understand that they are an important part of the community. He said that the fault in the traditional system is that there are only a few solutions including fines, probation or jail.

"Children are anything other than a small adult," said Kelly. "What works for an adult may not work for them."

He said that the key to restorative justice is to find where the child is in his or her life and to develop a process around them. Kelly sees it as an important piece of what is going on the community and the state.

Juvenile Probation and Parole Supervisor Jay Apicelli agreed and said that the big thing is making the victim first in the situation. He said that in the past he never asked what the victim wanted, but from what he has seen, they like restorative justice as a system.

"It helps youths learn that they are members of the community," said Apicelli. "They are not alone."

Brian Loanes is involved in the Belknap County Restorative Justice Program. He said that Belknap County spent a lot of money on probation services, which had people thinking of alternatives. This resulted in the start of a restorative justice program and a citizen's council of children and families. The process typically takes about a year, and if the youth does not meet his requirements he or she will be sent back to court. Loanes said that he has seen kids and victims cry in the process, but when it is done it is better for everyone.

At the end of the Summit, former Plymouth Police Chief Tony Raymond was presented with the John True Award for his work on Project Monitor, which is an anonymous phone-line that was created to prevent drugs and alcohol. It has also prevented teen suicides. The program has received not only local and county recognition, but also statewide recognition.

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